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Advanced Energy and Decarbonisation Office (AEDO)

An MEA Electrolyzer for Hydrogen Production by Electrochemical Cracking of Ammonia

19 October 2026

Affiliation

NTU

Focus topic

Low-carbon H2 & Derivatives

Low-energy ammonia cracker that also generates electricity

Summary

An electrochemical ammonia cracker based on a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) cell that releases hydrogen from ammonia at low temperature and ambient pressure, with hydrogen and nitrogen generated in separate chambers.

Achievements: at 80oC, an ammonia cracking current density of 0.47 A cm-2 was reached at an average applied potential of only 0.35 V, equal to 17.5 mmol H2 cm-2 h-1 and 9.38 kWh per kg H2 - roughly 75-80% less electricity than water electrolysis at the same current density, with HHV-based energy efficiency of ~85%. In a second, low-energy operating mode, 100 mA cm-2 needed only 76 mV versus 520 mV (2.03 vs 13.9 kWh/kg H2, an 85% electricity saving), and the cell delivered up to 5.9 mW cm-2 of power while producing hydrogen. Switching between the two modes over 12-hour periods was reproducible (14.2 and 1.66 mmol H2 cm-2 h-1). Hydrogen exits separately from nitrogen and residual ammonia, simplifying purification, and cells can be stacked for on-site supply.

Carbon abatement: zero direct greenhouse gas emissions from cracking; unlocks low-carbon ammonia as a hydrogen carrier while displacing fossil-fired high-temperature crackers.

What makes this novel compared to best-in-class technology?

Thermal ammonia cracking needs 400-600oC, costly catalysts and hydrogen purification. This cracker runs at low temperature and ambient pressure, outputs hydrogen in a separate stream, and can switch into a mode that co-generates electricity to avoid peak tariffs.

TRL Level

1-3

Relevant for

  • Hydrogen refueling stations and fuel-cell users supplied by ammonia

  • Ammonia import terminals and bunkering hubs

  • Power plants using ammonia as a hydrogen carrier

  • Industrial sites needing on-site hydrogen

About

NTU logo

Inventors: Dai Chencheng, Xu Zhichuan, Kamal Elouarzaki, Adrian Charles Fisher

Affiliation: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU), School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE); University of Cambridge

Contact NTU for licensing opportunities and more information. 

Please quote ID ref [2023-069] in your email.